Homeowners beware, as insurance companies are increasingly relying on aerial surveillance technology like drones to assess the condition of their properties and decide whether to cancel their policies. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal highlights this trend, citing the case of Cindy Picos in California, whose roof was photographed by a drone before her insurance provider dropped her policy.
Although Picos’s roof was in good condition, an independent inspection found that it had another 10 years of life expectancy. However, the insurance company refused to show Picos the aerial photos they used to make their decision, despite her requests for them.
Insurance companies have a range of aerial surveillance tools at their disposal, including drones, manned planes, and high-altitude balloons. This technology allows them to nearly fully cover the entire country. However, as with any technology, there are flaws and potential risks associated with its use. For example, companies have canceled policies based on outdated or misrepresented images.
One such instance involved a photo that initially seemed to show fallen tree limbs but was later discovered to just be shadows. Despite these imperfections, the technology is rapidly advancing and could soon allow for daily monitoring of properties through high-definition surveillance. This shift towards increased aerial surveillance presents challenges and potential risks for homeowners when it comes to maintaining their insurance policies.
